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A Psalm of David, when he offered the memorial sacrifice.
(38-2) O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger, and do not chasten me in the heat of Your wrath;
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(38-3) For Your arrows have pierced me, and Your hand has come down upon me.
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(38-4) There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin;
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(38-5) For my iniquities have gone over my head; they are like a heavy burden, too heavy for me.
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(38-6) My wounds are foul and festering because of my folly;
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(38-7) I am bent over and greatly bowed down; all day long I go about in mourning.
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(38-8) For my loins are filled with burning pain, and there is no soundness in my flesh;
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(38-9) I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart.
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(38-10) Lord, You know all my desire, and my sighing is not hidden from You;
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(38-11) My heart pounds, my strength fails me, and the light of my eyes has gone from me.
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(38-12) My friends and companions stand aloof because of my affliction, and my kinsmen stand far off.
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(38-13) Those who seek my life lay snares, and those who seek my harm speak of ruin and plot deceit all day long.
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(38-14) But I am like a deaf man; I do not hear, like a mute man who does not open his mouth;
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(38-15) Yes, I am like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth are no rebukes.
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(38-16) For in You, O LORD, I hope; You will answer, O Lord my God.
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(38-17) For I said, “Let them not rejoice over me, let them not exalt themselves against me when my foot slips!”
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(38-18) For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever before me;
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(38-19) Yes, I confess my iniquity; I am troubled because of my sin.
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(38-20) Those who hate me without cause are many in number; many are those who hate me without reason.
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(38-21) Those who repay evil for good oppose me, because I follow what is good.
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(38-22) Do not forsake me, O LORD; O my God, be not far from me!
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(38-23) Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!
🕊️🙏📖 Summary of Psalm 38 – “A Cry of Repentance and a Plea in Suffering”
Psalm 38 is a psalm of confession and repentance. David wrote this while experiencing very severe physical, inward, and social suffering — which he recognized as the result of his own sin. He felt abandoned, betrayed, and despised, yet he still cried out to the Lord as his only hope and helper.
This psalm is a picture of sincere repentance, deep sorrow, and steadfast faith even in suffering.
📌 1. A Plea for God’s Mercy (verses 1–2)
➡️ David asks that the Lord not punish him in wrath.
➡️ He acknowledges that the suffering he experiences is heavy like God’s arrows.
🎯 Confession of sin begins with humility and acknowledgment of deserved punishment.
📌 2. Suffering because of Sin (verses 3–8)
➡️ David describes his pain both physically and inwardly.
➡️ He says: “there is no soundness in my flesh… I am crushed because of my sin.”
🎯 Sin is not only a spiritual fault, but brings real effects in body and soul.
📌 3. Loneliness and Rejection (verses 9–14)
➡️ His friends kept their distance, and enemies watched for a chance to bring him down.
➡️ David remained silent, like one who is deaf and mute — entrusting his defense to the Lord.
🎯 When no one stands up for you, the Lord still remains the place of hope.
📌 4. A Cry of Faith in the Midst of Despair (verses 15–22)
➡️ “For in You, O LORD, I hope.”
➡️ He confesses his wrongdoing, weeps because of sin, and asks that God not forsake him.
➡️ The psalm closes with the cry: “Do not be far from me… help me, O Lord my salvation!”
🎯 Though he feels judged, David does not run from God, but draws near.
📖 Main Teaching
- Sin has real physical and emotional consequences
- True repentance begins with personal awareness and humility
- The Lord is the only place of hope, even when everyone else keeps away
- Silence under pressure can be a form of faith — leaving vengeance to God
- The Lord is near to those who are brokenhearted and confess their sin
✨ Spiritual Meaning (New Testament)
📖 1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just…”
➡️ Just as David confessed his sin and trusted in God’s forgiveness.
📖 Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
➡️ David wept over his sin — a godly sorrow that brings comfort.
📖 Romans 8:26
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness…”
➡️ When David could not speak, his silence was a form of faith heard by God.
📖 James 4:8–10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
➡️ David humbled himself completely — the foundation of true repentance.
🕊️ “Do not judge me in Your anger.” – Psalm 38:1
🕊️ “I am crushed because of my sin.” – Psalm 38:4
🕊️ “For in You, O LORD, I hope.” – Psalm 38:15
🕊️ “Do not be far from me, O LORD; help me, O Lord my salvation!” – Psalm 38:21–22
